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Malta (MT)

Malta is a small EU island nation in the central Mediterranean — the smallest EU member state by area — celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of history (the Knights of St John, ancient megalithic temples older than Stonehenge), warm climate of 300+ sunshine days per year, English as a co-official language making it uniquely accessible for anglophone expats, a thriving iGaming and fintech sector, and a strategic location halfway between Europe and North Africa.

Capital: Valletta
Region: Europe
Language: Maltese
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)
Emergency: 112
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in Malta.

Malta has a relatively low violent crime rate but a growing range of fraud and scam activity, driven partly by the large expat population and the significant financial services and iGaming sector. Three golden rules: never pay a deposit on a rental without physically viewing the property; always verify financial advisers on the MFSA Register of Licensees (mfsa.mt) before investing; and treat any unsolicited job offer asking for upfront fees as a scam. The Malta Police Force (pulizija.gov.mt) and the MFSA handle major fraud cases. The EU Consumer Rights Directive applies in Malta — you have a 14-day withdrawal right for distance and off-premises contracts.

Rental Scams — Fake Listings and Advance Fee Fraud

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Malta's severe housing shortage has created fertile ground for rental scams. Criminals post fake property listings on Facebook groups and rental sites, often at below-market prices to attract desperate renters. They collect a deposit or first month's rent and then disappear — or the property they 'rented' was never theirs to rent. French-speaking expats have been specifically targeted via Facebook Marketplace with fake landlord profiles. This is the most common fraud affecting new arrivals in Malta.

How to spot it
  • - The price is significantly below market rate for the area (a 1-bedroom in Sliema for €600/month is impossible in 2026).
  • - Landlord says they are abroad and cannot show you the property in person.
  • - Landlord asks you to pay a deposit before you have viewed the property.
  • - They request payment via bank transfer before any contract is signed.
  • - The property photos look too professional or match photos from foreign holiday rental sites — verify with a reverse image search.
  • - You are pressured to commit quickly before seeing the property.
  • - The Facebook profile of the landlord was recently created or has no Maltese connections.
What to do: Never pay any money before physically visiting the property and meeting the landlord or agent in person. Always use a warranted Maltese real estate agent (check warrant number at MARE — realtors.org.mt). If you suspect fraud, report immediately to the Malta Police Force (pulizija.gov.mt) and do not transfer any further funds.

iGaming Employment Scams — Fake Job Offers

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Malta's large iGaming sector attracts fraudulent job offers where criminals impersonate legitimate gaming companies (bet365, Betsson, LeoVegas, etc.) or create fake company websites. They may ask for relocation fees, visa processing fees, or training course fees before revealing there is no real job. Sometimes they use the fake job offer to extract personal identity documents for identity theft.

How to spot it
  • - You receive an unsolicited job offer via social media or WhatsApp for a high-paying role.
  • - The company asks for upfront fees for visa processing, background checks, or training.
  • - The company's email domain does not match the official company domain.
  • - The LinkedIn profile of the 'recruiter' was recently created.
  • - The company cannot provide a physical Malta office address (check at Malta Business Registry — mbr.mt).
  • - Salary offered is dramatically above market rate for the role.
What to do: Verify the company at mbr.mt (Malta Business Registry). Check the MGA licence register at mga.org.mt for licensed gaming companies. Contact the company directly via their official website — not the contact details in the suspicious message. Legitimate employers do not charge fees to job candidates. Report to pulizija.gov.mt.

Investment Fraud — Unregulated Schemes and Fake Trading Platforms

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Malta has seen several high-profile cases involving unregulated investment schemes marketed to expats — cryptocurrency trading platforms, forex investment clubs, and 'guaranteed return' schemes. A 2025 investigation exposed a multi-million-euro investment scam network using Maltese-registered companies, where victims across dozens of countries were lured onto fake trading platforms such as Rivobanc and Stoxinvest. The MFSA has issued numerous warnings about unauthorised investment services.

How to spot it
  • - Guaranteed returns on investment — no legitimate investment guarantees returns.
  • - Pressure to invest quickly before a 'limited time offer' expires.
  • - The company is not listed in the MFSA Register of Licensees (mfsa.mt).
  • - The scheme involves cryptocurrency with promises of automated trading profits.
  • - Referral bonuses for bringing in new investors — a pyramid structure indicator.
  • - You cannot withdraw funds — there is always some excuse or additional fee required.
What to do: Check the MFSA Register of Licensees (mfsa.mt) before investing with any financial company in Malta. Report suspected unauthorised investment services to the MFSA consumer helpline: 8007 4924 or mfsa.mt/consumers/scams-warnings-and-reporting. For arbitration of financial disputes, contact the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services: 8007 2366 or www.financialarbiter.org.mt.

WhatsApp Account Takeover and Impersonation Scams

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A common scam in Malta involves fraudsters who have compromised a WhatsApp account belonging to someone you know, then message you posing as them to ask for an emergency loan or gift card purchase. Malta's small, tight-knit expat community makes this particularly effective — the message feels authentic because it comes from a known contact.

How to spot it
  • - Your contact sends an unusual message asking for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • - The message uses an unusual communication style for that person.
  • - They ask you not to call but only message — 'my phone is broken'.
  • - Urgency: 'I'm in an emergency and need €200 immediately'.
What to do: Call the person directly on their number before sending any money. Never send gift card codes, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers without verbal confirmation. Report the compromised WhatsApp account to WhatsApp directly and to the Malta Police Force Cybercrime Unit: +356 2294 2231.

Government Impersonation — CFR, Identità, and Police Phishing

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Fraudsters impersonate the MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority), CFR (Commissioner for Revenue — tax authority), Identità (identity and residence authority), or the Malta Police Force in emails and SMS messages. They claim you owe unpaid taxes, face enforcement action, or need to verify your residence card — directing you to fake websites to enter personal details or make payments.

How to spot it
  • - Unexpected email or SMS claiming a government fine, tax debt, or account suspension.
  • - The sender email domain does not match the official government domain (gov.mt).
  • - Urgent language demanding immediate payment to avoid criminal action.
  • - Link leads to a website that does not end in .gov.mt.
  • - Request for payment via gift card, cryptocurrency, or Western Union.
What to do: The Maltese government (CFR, Identità, police) does NOT request payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or unofficial payment methods. Access government websites directly by typing the URL — never via links in emails. Call the relevant authority on their official published number to verify. Report phishing to the Malta Police Force Cybercrime Unit (computer.crime@gov.mt or +356 2294 2231) and to the MFSA.

Online Marketplace Fraud (Facebook Marketplace, Second-Hand Platforms)

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Fraud on Facebook Marketplace and Maltese second-hand selling groups is widespread. Common patterns: buyer sends a fake payment screenshot and claims the funds are on hold pending your confirmation; seller requests payment via a fake link; goods are never delivered after payment. Electronics, furniture, and vehicles are most commonly used as bait.

How to spot it
  • - Buyer sends a screenshot of a 'payment sent' but you see nothing in your account.
  • - Payment is offered via a link rather than a standard bank transfer or cash.
  • - The price is significantly below market value to attract quick transactions.
  • - Seller insists on bank transfer only and refuses to meet in person.
  • - No profile history or recently created account on the selling platform.
What to do: For high-value items, meet in person and receive payment in cash or via verified bank transfer only. Never release an item based on a payment screenshot — confirm funds are cleared in your account first. Report marketplace fraud to the Malta Police Force (pulizija.gov.mt) and to the platform.

Overpriced Tourism Traps and Unlicensed Guides

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In tourist areas (Valletta, Sliema waterfront, Mdina gate), unlicensed guides and taxi drivers may approach tourists and new arrivals with tours or rides at inflated prices. Restaurant tourist menus near major attractions can be significantly overpriced. Water taxis and boat trips to Comino or the Blue Lagoon can charge far above the official rate.

How to spot it
  • - Prices are not displayed or the special price is only revealed after the service.
  • - The person approaches you aggressively in a tourist area.
  • - The quoted taxi price is significantly above what Bolt or eCabs shows.
  • - Restaurant menus near tourist attractions do not display prices or show prices only in a small-print section.
What to do: Always use eCabs or Bolt for taxis — both apps show the price before you book. Ask for the menu price before sitting at a restaurant. Book tours through licensed operators registered with the Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com). Official Valletta walking tours are inexpensive and licensed.

Reporting

Where to report: Malta Police Force (pulizija.gov.mt) — Cybercrime Unit: +356 2294 2231, computer.crime@gov.mt. Economic Crimes Unit for financial fraud. File a report online at pulizija.gov.mt/en/file-a-report. MFSA (mfsa.mt) for financial services and investment fraud — scam warnings at mfsa.mt/consumers/scams-warnings. MCCAA (mccaa.org.mt) for consumer rights and product safety. Emergency: 112.

Consumer helpline: MCCAA Consumer Helpline: +356 2395 2000 or freephone 8007 4400 (mccaa.org.mt). MFSA Consumer Helpline: 8007 4924 / +356 2548 5700 (mfsa.mt). Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (financial disputes): 8007 2366 (financialarbiter.org.mt). Malta Police Cybercrime Unit: +356 2294 2231.